Launching Our 5th Decade
Presented in partnership with Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Past. Present. Progress.
An Evening with Equip for Equality
Chicago Winery
September 28, 2026
5:00–7:30 PM
Join Equip for Equality in partnership with Kirkland & Ellis LLP for a cocktail hour celebrating 40 years on the frontlines of disability rights—and launching the critical work ahead. This evening will honor the advocates, partners, and champions who built the movement, while directing our collective energy toward the future of access, dignity, and justice for people with disabilities across Illinois.
This is more than a gala.
It’s a moment of collective action.
A commitment to what comes next.
This moment reflects four decades of advancing access, dignity, and self-determination. At a time when disability rights face renewed challenges, bringing our community together with clarity and confidence feels especially important.
We hope you will consider attending or sponsoring the event.
Event Committee
| Marie Alfano | Matt Manning |
| Pamela Brown | Jill Pinto |
Mark Debofsky | Carol Rivers |
| Ceylan Eatherton | Carole Rosen |
| Peter Grosz | Ariel Trocino |
| Tracy Hartleib | Marie Alfano |
| Elizabeth Lewis |
Honoring Laura Miller
We are proud to recognize Laura Miller as Equip for Equality’s 2026 Enduring Impact Award Honoree.
Laura joined Equip for Equality in 2000 and has spent the past 25 years advancing the rights of people with disabilities across Illinois. She served as a managing attorney, practiced across issue areas, and played a leading role in major Olmstead class action litigation—helping ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live and receive services in their communities.
Her impact extends far beyond litigation. Laura has supported clients across decades—walking alongside individuals and families from childhood into adulthood—and has mentored generations of attorneys who continue this work today. Through her leadership, she has helped shape not only Equip for Equality, but the broader disability rights movement in Illinois.
As Laura retires, we are honored to celebrate her extraordinary career and lasting contributions.
Distinguished Partner Award
Equip for Equality is deeply honored to recognize Kirkland & Ellis as the recipient of our Distinguished Partner Award at our 40th Anniversary Celebration this September.
For decades, Kirkland has played a foundational role in Equip for Equality’s history and growth. The firm helped support Equip for Equality’s transition into an independent nonprofit organization, ensuring the independence necessary to fully advance our mission as Illinois’ Protection and Advocacy system.
Since then, Kirkland attorneys have devoted thousands of pro bono hours to advancing disability rights through class action litigation, special education advocacy, federal audit support, legal research, and strategic partnership at pivotal moments in our organization’s history.
From serving as Equip for Equality’s first pro bono partner for the Special Education Clinic, to supporting Equal Justice Works Fellows serving children and families with disabilities across Illinois, Kirkland’s partnership has shaped both our history and our future.
We are profoundly proud and grateful to recognize Kirkland & Ellis for decades of extraordinary partnership, leadership, and commitment to disability rights.
2026 Pro Bono Impact Award Winner
Mike Turner
For nearly two decades, Mike Turner has been one of Equip for Equality’s most dedicated and impactful pro bono leaders.
Mike helped create Equip for Equality’s Parent Helpline and inspired a lasting commitment from Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg attorneys to support children and families with disabilities across Illinois. Through his advocacy, Mike has secured critical educational services, therapeutic placements, and civil rights protections for students and individuals with disabilities facing significant barriers.
Beyond his direct advocacy, Mike has strengthened Equip for Equality itself — helping secure critical operational infrastructure and consistently mentoring and inspiring others to engage in meaningful pro bono service. His leadership reflects the very best of the legal profession and the disability rights movement.
Pro Bono Impact Award Finalists
Marina Greek
Through her work coordinating and supporting pro bono efforts, Marina has helped ensure students and families receive thoughtful, compassionate, and high-quality legal support. She is known for listening deeply, centering the voices of the people she serves, and treating every client with dignity and respect.
Bonnie Potter
From 2022–2025 alone, Bonnie coordinated more than 560 hours of volunteer service while personally contributing dozens of volunteer shifts herself. Her leadership, responsiveness, and reliability have helped ensure families and individuals can consistently access information, advocacy, and support when they need it most.
William Schmalzl
William has conducted more than 200 Special Education Helpline calls and directly represented families in numerous pro bono education matters. Known for his empathy, professionalism, and thoughtful advocacy, William consistently helps families feel heard, respected, and supported during some of the most challenging moments in their children’s educational journeys.
Latham & Watkins Team
Since 2024, Terra Reynolds, Johanna Spellman, Shannon H. Kitzer, Rachel Tammie Favors, Matt Green, Lindsay Ella Mae Hardy, and Zeyu (Richard) Zhao have partnered with Equip for Equality on groundbreaking litigation challenging the denial of special education services to incarcerated youth and young adults with disabilities in Illinois.
Equip for Equality Board of Directors
| Officers | |
| Todd Solomon, Chairperson | Jeannine Cordero, Vice Chairperson |
| Vince Sparrow, Treasurer | Sonia Bhagwakar, Secretary |
| Members | |
| Nina Cyrenne | Peggy Bertelsen Hampton |
| John K. Holton, Ph.D. | Michael A. Parks |
| Carol Rivers | Mark Rotatori |
| Carrie Sandahl | |
| Ex Officio | |
| Zena Naiditch |
Thank You Generous Sponsors
Visionary for Justice
Champion for Equality
Advocate for Access
Partner for Inclusion
Ally for Disability Rights
 | Zena Naiditch |
Friends of Equip for Equality
 |  |
Community Supporters
 |  |  |
Anonymous |
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship of this event offers high-visibility recognition, meaningful alignment with Illinois’ leading disability rights organization, and a leadership role in launching Equip for Equality’s fifth decade of impact.
All sponsors will be recognized during the event and in select pre- and post-event communications. Sponsorships can be customized to align with your organization’s goals.
Visionary for Justice - $50,0000
Lead the launch of Equip for Equality’s fifth decade—and help shape the future of disability rights in Illinois.
Our Visionary Sponsor anchors this milestone moment, investing not only in the event, but in the long-term advancement of Equip for Equality’s mission.
Visionary Sponsor receives:
- Exclusive recognition as 5th Decade Visionary Sponsor
- Premier co-branded recognition with event title (Launching Our 5th Decade presented in partnership with [Name])
- Homepage recognition on EFE’s website for one year (logo + hyperlink)
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight on LinkedIn and other social platforms
- Dedicated feature in seasonal newsletters highlighting your leadership and partnership
- Recognition in all major pre- and post-event email communications
- Opportunity for a senior representative to offer brief welcome remarks (optional)
- Opportunity to designate a representative to serve on the Event Committee (optional)
- Exclusive pre-event leadership reception with EFE board and honorees
- Premier logo placement on all event materials and signage
- Verbal recognition during the program
- Up to 12 guest invitations
Champion for Equality – $30,000
Be a leading force behind the launch of Equip for Equality’s fifth decade.
Champion Sponsors receive:
- Recognition as Presenting Sponsor of the 5th-Decade Launch
- Premier logo placement on event materials and signage
- Verbal recognition during the program
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight on LinkedIn and other social platforms
- Recognition in select pre- and post-event email communications
- Opportunity to designate a representative to serve on the Event Committee (optional)
- Up to 10 guest invitations
Advocate for Access – $20,000
Stand at the forefront of the movement for access and equity.
Advocate Sponsors receive:
- Prominent logo placement at the event
- Recognition in event remarks
- Recognition in event promotions and follow-up communications
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight on LinkedIn and other social platforms
- Opportunity to designate a representative to serve on the event committee, helping shape the event (optional)
- Up to 8 guest invitations
Partner for Inclusion – $10,000
Power the movement forward alongside leaders shaping the future of disability rights.
Partner Sponsors receive:
- Logo placement on event signage and materials
- Recognition in event promotions and follow-up communications
- Inclusion in group sponsor social media recognition
- Up to 6 guest invitations
Ally for Disability Rights – $5,000
Demonstrate your commitment to inclusive, accessible communities across Illinois.
Community Sponsors receive:
- Name or logo recognition at the event
- Recognition in event promotions and follow-up communications
- Inclusion in group sponsor social media recognition
- Up to 4 guest invitations
Friend of Equip for Equality – $2,500
Celebrate the past—and invest in what comes next.
Friends receive:
- Name recognition in event materials
- Recognition in event promotions and follow-up communications
- Up to 2 guest invitations
Community Supporter – $1,000
Join the room. Join the movement.
Allies receive:
- Name recognition in event materials
- 2 guest invitations
Need Accommodations?
If you want to come to our event and require accommodations, please contact us to let us know so we can help you experience the evening barrier-free.